American Color

One of the best books and photographers of the generation.

Constantine Manos is one of the best contemorary photographers in the world and one of the few street photographers who make color photographs. Manos has high standards. He does not pose his subjects. No make believe here. He is the observer and not the observed. The images in this book all really happened and pose interesting questions and make interesting statements about contemporary life in America. They are ordinary scenes but Manos finds something extraordinary to show about American culture. The pictures are vibrant and well composed. The book is well reproduced. These are pictures you will want to spend some time with to understand and they will enrich your perspective on great diversity of America.

Constantine Manos is a master photographer. How he sees colour and the amazing juxtapositions that appear in his work are truly wonderful. Many people are familiar with the follow-up volume to this book, American Color 2 and are curious about the first volume. It is surprising how different but equally powerful they are. The price of this book has skyrocketed in recent years but at last check it was available directly from Magnum Photos new for less than most used copies on the secondary market. If you enjoyed the second volume, I highly recommend tracking down a copy of this one.